Quick Crispy Pan Fried Tofu

This easy pan fried tofu is super crispy outside, chewy inside, and packed with flavor as a versatile plant-based protein, all with just 4 ingredients & in under 25 minutes- no pressing required!

Quick and Easy Crispy Pan Fried Tofu

Between options like Thai basil tofu, sweet & spicy tofu, buttery lemon tofu (and more!), we certainly aren’t lacking ideas for flavor-packed vegan tofu recipes. However, if it’s a crisp texture that you desire and you don’t have an air fryer or fancy breaded tofu, pan fried tofu is ideal!

This simple pan fried tofu recipe requires no special kitchen tools and is faster than baking tofu, with even crispier results. Better yet, although we’ve provided a recipe for a simple marinade, tofu is an impressive blank canvas, meaning there are heaps of opportunities to experiment.

Once pan-fried, this vegan fried tofu is packed with plant-based protein (about 17 grams per 100g!), gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan, and makes for a delicious and versatile protein for practically any meal – with rice, quinoa, noodles, stir-fries, salads, and more.

The Ingredients

• Tofu: Use extra-firm tofu for the best results (or firm tofu as a backup- but then it will need pressing). We prefer to use organic, non-GMO tofu when possible.
• Cornstarch: Don’t omit starch from the ingredients because it’s key to the crispy outer layer on pan fried tofu. If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot flour should work.
• Soy sauce: Use dark, light, or reduced-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/ coconut aminos if you’re gluten-free). This packs in salty, savory, umami-rich flavor. Smoked soy sauce will also work for extra smoky flavor depth.
• Oil: Use a high-heat cooking oil like avocado oil/vegetable oil or even sesame oil for a toasty, nutty flavor.
• Seasonings: (optional) If you want to add even more flavor to the crispy fried tofu, try garlic powder (and optionally onion powder) and smoked paprika.

Or have fun experimenting with other herbs and spices like black pepper, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, chili powder, cumin, nutritional yeast (for a nutty cheesiness), taco seasoning, an Asian stir-fry marinade, etc.

Please read the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information.

How to Pan Fry Tofu

For the crispiest results, press the tofu for 30 minutes using a tofu press or by wrapping it in a kitchen towel and placing a heavy skillet and/or several large books on top. However, this step is completely optional.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, and seasonings (if using) and mix.
2. Then, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes (or strips/triangles) by slicing it in half lengthwise and then into about 1-inch cubes.

If you haven’t pressed the tofu, quickly pat it dry before adding it to the bowl.

3. Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and toss to coat well.

Optionally allow that to marinate for 15-30 minutes for the tofu to soak up the marinade.

4. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large non-stick pan over high heat until shimmering.
5. Once hot, lower the heat to medium and add the tofu to the pan in a single layer (work in batches if necessary).
6. Pan-fry the tofu for 2-3 minutes per side or until your desired crispiness is achieved. Ensure you don’t move it around the pan while cooking for the best sear. Enjoy!

What to Serve With Crispy Tofu?

This simple but flavorful crispy pan-fried tofu, hot or cold, is a versatile protein to enjoy:

• With dipping sauce: Enjoy pan-fried crispy tofu as a snack or appetizer with ketchup, BBQ sauce, vegan mayo, garlic sauce, sweet chili sauce, vegan buffalo sauce, etc.
• With rice: White rice, brown rice, or quinoa alongside the tofu and veggies makes a delicious, well-balanced meal.
• Veggies: i.e., roasted, grilled, steamed, or sauteed options like broccoli, asparagus, green beans, cauliflower, carrots, spinach, etc.
• In salads: Including leafy green salads and other salad/ buddha/ grain bowls – like our Mediterranean couscous salad bowl or sweet potato quinoa bowl.
• Pasta: Toss the crispy pan-fried tofu into various pasta dishes, like pesto pasta, spicy tomato basil pasta, and chilled pasta salads. Plus, it works great in noodle-based dishes and stir-fries, like garlic sesame soba noodles and veggie chow mein.
• Mexican: Enjoy the crispy pan-seared tofu in tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, fajitas, etc.
• Wraps: i.e., a tortilla wrap with salad veggies or lettuce wrap.
• Stews/curries: Toss in the pan fried tofu cubes as your choice of protein. I.e., yellow tofu curry or kidney bean vegetable stew.

Storage Instructions

Once pressed and cubed, you can store the tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days (or in the marinade for up to a day), ready to pan-fry when required.

Pan-seared tofu will be crispiest directly from the pan. To save any leftovers, allow them to cool and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

You can also freeze tofu for up to 3 months if it wasn’t previously frozen, but just be aware that the texture of tofu becomes chewier/meatier post-freeze, and you’ll lose the crispiness.

To reheat it, add it back to a large skillet with a little oil over medium heat.

Pro Recipe Tips for Crispy Pan Fried Tofu

• Use firm tofu: Extra-firm is best, though firm tofu will do. Don’t go any softer than that, though; the tofu won’t crisp up or hold its shape well.
• Press the tofu: While it’s not necessary, it’s a good idea for the crispiest pan fried tofu. This step removes extra liquid and allows it to soak up marinades more.
• Use a hot pan: The tofu should sizzle as soon as it’s added to the pan. This will ensure perfectly pan-seared tofu with a crisp, golden-brown outer shell.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Work in batches. An overcrowded pan won’t allow the pieces to crisp up, as they’ll steam from the close proximity.
• Leave it to sear: For the crispiest pan fried tofu, don’t move it around too much while it cooks. Leave it to become crispy and form the golden-brown crust on the bottom before flipping and repeating on every side.
• For extra crispy tofu: After pan-frying the tofu, transfer it to a preheated oven and bake at 375F/190C for 10-15 minutes or until super crispy and brown.

FAQs

More Easy Tofu Recipes

• The BEST marinated tofu
• Quick teriyaki tofu stir-fry
• Grilled tofu steaks
• Spicy sesame tofu stir-fry
• Sweet & salty tofu bites
• Pineapple glazed tofu
• Sweet coconut Thai tofu
• Tofu cabbage stir fry

Or enjoy browsing our entire collection of budget-friendly vegan tofu recipes – like tofu bolognese, coconut curry, and fish sticks!